fastest kid on the block

Fastest Kid on the Block?

February 27, 2014 by Coach Gail

The Millrose Games are notably one of the most prestigous track and field events in the nation. For a seven-year-old to run in this event is like being in the junior Olympics. One of our NYRR youth runners worked really hard to get there and placed third in his event, which is called The Fastest Kid on the Block. Meet Walter Hillbarrows, whose training is due in part the fundraising you do for Team for Kids.

At age 7, Walter Hillbarrows already has impressive bragging rights. He placed third in the Fastest Kid on the Block 55m Dash, bringing home a medal. “I worked really hard for this,” says Hillbarrows, who runs for the New York Novas, a youth track club sponsored by New York Road Runners. The Novas practice four times a week under the direction of Coach George Taylor, a veteran coach who was cited as the most outstanding captain of all the athletic programs at the state university of Stony Brook. “Walter shows great promise, and he has the dedication and discipline to win next year,” says Taylor. Hillbarrows’s mother never misses one her of son’s meets and is proud of his tenacity. “I love what running has brought to my son,” she says. “He even dreams abut running!” She also notices he is more focused and dedicated to his school work, which needs to be finished before he goes to practice. “Next year I am coming back to win,” says Walter. “Nothing less than that!”